In 1920 Carlos Gracie began studying jiu-jitsu in Brazil with one of the best in this sport - Mitsuyo Maeda from Japan. Same submitted to the Japanese public in the U.S. judo at one of his visits there. The entire families committed to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, including the brother of Carlos - Helio, who trained with great enthusiasm. He decided to make a slight variation of this martial art as it complies with their own physical capabilities and adapt it for effective use with the surrounding environment.

The result of all this is now known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is characterized by extremely energy saving and minimal movements, and all part of the game of Helio - the earth. He pitched for in his development skills to surpass his brother Carlos and also taught his version of jiu-jitsu to the other brothers and friends. Organized and small tournaments and meetings.

In these games is not necessarily all to practice jiu-jitsu. Quite often players come in any other sport and purpose of the meeting was to see which martial art is more appropriate in open battle. Alternately karate, dzhudusti and even fighters. Portuguese word for this kind of events was "vale tudo", which translated means "everything is permitted". In these matches could see everything - not just fighting for land, keys and throws, but punches and kicks.

Helio does not do all this just for the sport. Over time his passion for acquiring and marketing side. What he wanted was to show that his way of playing - Brazilian Jiu-dzhittsu is the most effective strategy to paint with their bare hands, especially against other sports. This demonstration shows and matches, which were known as "Gracie Challenge".

Meetings do not last long, whether opponents practiced karate, kung fu, judo, boxing, wrestling or just aggro. Victory at the end of the match was binagi for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Over the years, Helio Gracie began to participate in various tournaments and MMA matches against anyone who wanted to play against him. In 1950's, when television entering the homes of people, those fights were quite popular and are being broadcast on Brazilian television. The fame of the Gracie is growing, because it comes and people from different countries of the world to cause Helio.
The most notable opponent was from Japan. Masahik Kimura was a competitor in judo. The two fought before 20,000 people in 1956. According to statistics, Helio gave more than 50 beats with only hand of his opponent.Elbow joint is removed from that hit and the angle of Gracie was forced to throw the towel in the ring. With these famous meetings Helio not only secure a place among the masters of martial arts, but also introduced its own. This was continued by other members of the family as a family heritage.

Rorion Gracie, oldest son of Helio, is moved to the U.S. in the 1970's.Together with his foot on American soil Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the idea of "Gracie Challenge".

Rorion made a public offer that will be faced in a match against anyone challenge him and take the prize as all revenues from the meeting. This attracts the attention of the magazine Playboy, which published an article about it. Thanks to her to find other opponents. But the one against which he had already faced younger brother Rorion - Royce. One by one, defeating opponents were family and started gaining fame among these circles.

Creative Art Davie boss learns about these meetings and is associated with Rorion. The two began working together and make MMA business we know today, ...